Indoor air quality is one of the most important things to consider in your home, especially since indoor air can be more polluted than the air outside. This can threaten your health and your family’s, so it’s important that you follow these tips and ensure that your house is a safe space to live in.
The Pollutants
There are three categories of indoor pollutants:
- Combustion pollutants that come from heaters, stoves, dryers, and fireplaces. The most common ones are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) include acetone, benzene, and ethylene glycol. These usually come from household products (such as paints and cleaning supplies).
- Asthma and allergy triggers like mold, dust mites, pollen, smoke, and pet dander - which is why keeping a cleaning plan for your home is so important.
You can read more about these pollutants at Apartment Therapy.
Healthy Level of Humidity
Humidity leads to moisture, and that leads to dust mites and mold. A dehumidifier helps reduces moisture and control allergens. You can also prevent humidity by opening a window when cooking, bathing or running the dishwasher.
Air conditioners are an option during summer months, just keep in mind that in order to avoid allergies you must always have clean air filters. Learn more about air conditioners here.
Clean Your House
Cleaning regularly is the best way to avoid accumulating dust that causes allergies and irritants. Not only floors, but all areas that usually wouldn’t get much attention - such as ceiling fans and top of refrigerators. Consider these tips to clean the house:
- Make an all purpose cleaner
- Remove towel mildew (and hang them the right way)
- Remove pet hair from couches and rugs with a rubber glove
Ensure Proper Ventilation
A proper ventilation system is important to help avoid moisture, cooking odors, and indoor pollutants. You can opt for natural ventilation or a mechanical system. Both of which you can learn more about at Building Green.
Test For Radon
Radon is a type of gas that occurs naturally in soils and rock and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon is inexpensive and can save your life!
No Smoking Indoors
This one is pretty obvious, nevertheless it’s still important to mention. If there are smokers in your family - or friends that often visit you - ask them to smoke outside only!
Use Natural Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Nice
Many gases evaporating from synthetic fragrances are actually VOCs. However, these easy and simple DIY projects will help make your home smell great all the time.
Place Indoor Air-Filtering Plants
Aside from improving air quality, plants have several more benefits to it, for example:
- Natural humidifiers
- Help with allergies
- De-stress
Learn more about these 8 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Have More Houseplants.
Fix Leaks
This may sound obvious, but leaks generally go unnoticed. Check your house - including the roof, foundation, and basement (especially if you have a basement bathroom) - at least once a year to avoid wheezing, coughing, and asthma symptoms.
Find a local service to inspect your home.
Care for Your Pet
Allergies can come from animal’s saliva, urine, feces, and dead skin cells. These allergens are particularly prevalent during the winter, when they spend more time indoors, so make sure to regularly bathe and groom your pet - and don’t forget to wash the pet beds!
Were these tips helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below and check our Home Improvement page for more great tips like these!
